Cruising the Eastern and Western Mediterranean

8 April, 2024  By: Sue Gough Henly

Cruising the ‘Med’ is on top of many cruise lovers travel bucket lists. So many beautiful islands and coastlines to discover, such great food and wine, a wealth of ancient treasures and cultural contrasts, not to mention a bevy of glorious cities and towns to explore.

To help you decide where and when to cruise, we’ve put together a guide to cruising the Mediterranean. Plus we’ve featured nine vastly different cruises to help you get a feeling for the type of ship and itinerary that best suits your style and budget.

Where to cruise: East or West or both

While a few cruises span the entire Mediterranean most tend to explore either the Eastern or Western Med. They both have great appeal.

Eastern Mediterranean cruises focus on the Greek Islands, the Turkish coast, and the Adriatic Riviera with departure points including Venice, Piraeus (Athens) and Istanbul.

There’s a wealth of ancient treasures from the Acropolis of Athens, the Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus and Olympus, the original site of the Olympic Games not to mention the Renaissance glories of Venice and Dubrovnik, and the mosques and minarets of Istanbul.

There are islands galore in Greece, Cyprus and along the Dalmatian coast, gorgeous beaches from Croatia to Turkey and the warm weather tends to last well into October. And, of course, there are gloriously diverse foods from pasta and prosecco in Italy, fresh fish, and spanakopita in Greek tavernas, mezze and flat bread from the bazaars of Turkey.

Western Mediterranean cruises visit some or all of the following: Sicily and Malta, the West coast of Italy, the French Riviera, and the southern Spanish and Portuguese coast with departure points including Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Genoa, Rome, and Malta, even Southampton and Dover.

There’s a host of ancient wonders including the Colosseum in Rome and the ruined city of Pompeii as well as modern marvels like Gaudi’s Barcelona and Calatrava’s Valencia. And there are island delights from Majorca and Ibiza in Spain to Sicily and Malta, Corsica, and Sardinia as well as the glamour of Monte Carlo and Portofino, and the Tuscan charm of Florence.

When to cruise

Cruises on the Mediterranean operate year-round.

Summer (beginning of June to the end of August) is the peak period. The hottest months are July and August, which also correspond with the high season, especially for families, as this is the northern hemisphere school-holiday period. June can be ideal, before the peak summer period starts.

Spring (March – May) marks the start of the main season and the mild temperatures and lack of crowds make it an appealing time to cruise.

Autumn (September – November) is another good option as the temperatures remain warm, especially in the eastern Mediterranean and the crowds have dissipated.

Winter weather is more unpredictable, varying between mild sunshine and cool, rainy conditions. The crowds, however, are minimal.

Eastern Mediterranean cruises

Croatian Island Discovery APT 
8 nights, Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Best for: Luxury yacht lovers, low-key excursions, and easy access to small ports as well as great swimming right off the yacht.

Highlights: Explore the coastline of Croatia including Korcula thevbirthplace of Marco Polo, and the waterfalls of Krka National Park, the medieval walled town of Hvar on the island of the same name, and the walled city of Dubrovnik.

Ship size and facilities: The MV Lady Eleganza was custom designed to access small ports along Adriatic Coast. 36 guests/all inclusive.

Departure from Zagreb with transfer to Opatija and arrival in Dubrovnik.

Greek Isles Santorini, Rhodes & Istanbul with Norwegian Cruise Lines
Athen to Athens, 9 nights

Best for: Value and for solo travellers with studios at no single supplement.

Highlights: Free beverage and specialty dining package, free Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credit, immersive port-intensive itinerary.

Marvel at the Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, explore the ancient temples and sanctuaries in Rhodes, see the sunset from the whitewashed village of Oia in Santorini, kayak in the Med, visit the party island of Mykonos and explore the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete.

Ship size and facilities: The 326-metre NCL Norwegian Getaway: 3963 passengers, double occupancy; waterslide, casino and aqua park, multiple bars and 20 restaurants including Italian, French, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, American diner, steak house and seafood restaurants.

Treasures of the Greek Isles with Windstar
From Athens, 7 nights

Best for: Shore excursions and the romance of travelling under sail.

Highlights: Exclusive dinner and live music event at the Celsus Library in Ephesus. Visiting Santorini and Mykonos as well as Patmos, Nafplio and Monemvasia which are navigable only by small ships. Visit nine UNESCO World-Heritage sites including the Parthenon and Acropolis.

Ship size and amenities: The Windstar and Windspirit are sleek, four-masted sailing yachts with ocean-view staterooms accommodating just 148 guests across four decks. There are three dining venues: the gourmet Amphora restaurant, the casual Veranda restaurant and the dining-under-the-stars Candles restaurant. There’s a World Spa by Windstar, a water sports platform, lounge, library, pool, and hot tub.

Other Mediterranean cruise options to consider

 Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast with Windstar
8 nights, Venice to Rome

Highlights: Boutique cruising on the world’s largest sailing ship; expertly designed itineraries and unexpected shore excursions. Explore the Mediterranean’s most charming and historic destinations including Venice, Rome, and Dubrovnik as well as tiny towns along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, including the fishing port of Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula and the marble-stoned walled town of Split, and as well as travelling up a spectacular fjord to Kotor in Montenegro, mooring in the beautiful bay of Giardini Naxos in Sicily and in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast.

Ship size and amenities: The Wind Surf is Windstar’s flagship 342-guest flagship with six decks. Experience regional spa treatments in the World Spa. There’s also a water sports platform, lounge, library, pool, and hot tub.